Highlights

  • Commercial Robotaxi service enters Abu Dhabi’s downtown core
  • Coverage expands to about 70% of key urban districts
  • Fleet size increases fourfold since December 2024 launch

WeRide (NASDAQ:WRD) and Uber (NYSE:UBER) have launched commercial Robotaxi operations in downtown Abu Dhabi, marking the first deployment of autonomous vehicles in the Emirate’s central districts. The expansion increases service coverage to approximately 70% of Abu Dhabi’s core areas and follows a fourfold increase in fleet size since the partnership began operations in December 2024. Riders travelling to and from the newly added areas may be matched with WeRide’s Robotaxi GXR through UberX or Uber Comfort, or by selecting the “Autonomous” option on the Uber app. Public commercial operations are currently conducted with a vehicle specialist on board as part of a phased operating model.

Network Expansion Across Key Corridors

The expanded service now covers Khalifa City, Masdar City, Rabdan, and routes connecting Corniche Road with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The coverage area includes major visitor destinations and hotel clusters along Corniche Road. The rollout is supported by the Integrated Transport Centre, with Tawasul Transport acting as the main fleet operator and providing fleet management services for WeRide vehicles operating on the Uber platform.

Regional Scaling Commitments

The downtown expansion builds on earlier coverage in Al Reem, Al Maryah, Yas, and Saadiyat, as well as highway routes linking Zayed International Airport with central districts. WeRide now operates more than 200 Robotaxis across the Middle East. In February 2026, WeRide and Uber committed to deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh starting from 2027.

Earlier Permits and Driverless Operations

In November 2025, WeRide and Uber launched Level 4 fully driverless commercial Robotaxi operations on Yas Island, following the granting of a city-level driverless permit in October 2025. WeRide has operated Robotaxis in Abu Dhabi since 2021 and received a national license in 2023 authorising autonomous testing and operations on public roads across the UAE, subject to emirate-level approvals. The December 2024 partnership established one of the largest commercial Robotaxi services outside the US and China.

As of February 11, 2026, WeRide Inc ADR (NASDAQ:WRD) closed at USD 71.01.